For many healthcare practitioners, learning to navigate a new electronic health record (EHR) system can feel daunting. Cerner EMR (acquired by Oracle Health), is used by over 100 healthcare systems across the United States and managing data from approximately 1.8 billion patient encounters, playing a vital role in streamlining clinical workflows. However, for those unfamiliar with its interface, figuring out how to document patient encounters, retrieve records, and manage daily tasks efficiently can be challenging. 

This guide breaks down the essential steps to help you get started with Cerner, ensuring a smoother experience as you integrate it into your practice. 

Cerner’s clinical workflows are designed to simplify patient care by integrating various functionalities, including documentation, ordering, and chart review. The platform allows practitioners to access patient histories, record notes, and manage treatment plans seamlessly. 

Key Features For Clinical Workflows: 

  • Problem Summary: Enables practitioners to view a historical summary of a patient’s condition
  • Media Gallery: Allows for annotation and improved image documentation
  • Critical Care Dashboard: Consolidates key patient data, including medications and vitals, for easy reference
  • Automated Documentation: Using voice-enabled AI, Cerner generates notes, orders, and after-visit summaries based on clinician-patient interactions

Additionally, the ‘Clinical Digital Assistant’ supports voice commands to retrieve patient data, add information to the problem list, and generate clinical summaries without manual input. This allows providers to focus more on patient interaction rather than navigating the EHR manually. 

Patient Registration And Scheduling

Cerner streamlines the registration and patient scheduling process, enhancing both administrative efficiency and patient experience. 

Registration Process 

Add patient information to the front desk (name, date of birth, phone number) to initiate registration

The patient will receive a secure link via text or portal access to complete their registration at their convenience 

Patients can upload identification and insurance details either manually or through media upload using their mobile device, with OCR technology fields are auto-populated 

HIPAA agreements and consent forms are signed electronically for a seamless, paperless experience 

Scheduling Appointments 

  • Patients can book, reschedule, or cancel appointments via the self-service patient portal 
  • Staff can track patient status in real-time using the patient tracker, which updates automatically as patients move through their visit 
  • Integrated financial tools allow patients to make co-payments and view billing details conveniently 

Ambulatory EHR: Enhancing Outpatient Care

Cerner’s Ambulatory EHR optimizes outpatient workflows by providing a unified interface for intake, documentation, and care coordination. 

Key Functions 

  • Integrated Charting: Clinicians can access patient charts, enter orders, and document findings in one view
  • Population Health Tools: Alerts providers when patients are due for routine check-ups or preventive care
  • Mobile Documentation: Clinicians can complete charting and submit charges directly from their smartphones, reducing administrative delays
  • Virtual Care Integration: Patients can schedule telemedicine appointments, access care plans, and review instructions via the patient portal

This structured approach ensures that outpatient care is delivered efficiently while minimizing clinician burnout. 

Revenue Cycle Management: Streamlining Financial Workflows

Beyond clinical workflows, Cerner’s revenue cycle management (RCM) solution integrates financial and operational data to improve medical billing accuracy and reduce administrative burdens. 

Key RCM Features 

  • Automated Charge Capture: Translates health data into billable charges in real-time, minimizing manual data entry
  • Insurance Authorization: Notifies patients of financial responsibilities before treatment and secures pre-approvals
  • Predictive Analytics: Uses AI to identify coding discrepancies and improve billing accuracy
  • Patient Financial Transparency: Enables users to view itemized bills and receive financial counseling for payment plans

By integrating financial and clinical data, Cerner enhances the overall patient experience while ensuring efficient revenue cycle management for healthcare providers. 

Making The Most Of Cerner For Seamless Patient Care

Mastering Cerner’s EHR system is essential for practitioners aiming to optimize patient care and streamline administrative tasks. From clinical workflows to scheduling and revenue management, Cerner provides a robust, AI-powered ecosystem that reduces inefficiencies and enhances provider-patient interactions. By leveraging tools like the ‘Clinical Digital Assistant’ and automated documentation features, clinicians can focus on what matters most—delivering high-quality care. 

As healthcare continues to evolve, Cerner remains at the forefront of digital innovation, ensuring that providers can deliver seamless, efficient, and patient-centered care.